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Guinea Media and telecommunications landscape guide April 2011
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Index
Page
Introduction...... 3
Media overview...... 9
Radio overview...... 12
Radio stations...... 14
TV overview...... 45
Print media...... 47
Main newspapers...... 48
Internet news sites...... 52
Traditional channels of communication...... 55
Media resources...... 56
Telecoms overview...... 64
Telecoms companies...... 66
Principal sources...... 69
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1. Introduction: Guinea is one of the poorest and most rundown countries in West Africa. But it should be rich. Guinea is the world’s largest producer of bauxite. This former French colony in West Africa also has large reserves of gold, diamonds and iron ore. Guinea is a green and fertile country of 10 million people. It has good potential for agriculture. Yet it is heavily dependent on imports of its staple food rice. The country suffered a steady economic decline during its first half century of independence under the autocratic rule of two authoritarian presidents; Ahmed Sekou Toure and Lansana Conte. Today, its infrastructure is decayed, its people are poor and its politics are dangerously divided along ethnic lines. However, in 2010, Guinea began to experiment for the first time with political freedom and genuine democracy. Opposition parties were legalized for the first time in 1992. But genuine political liberalization only began following the death in office of President Lansana Conte in December 2008. He had been in power for 24 years and left no obvious successor.
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A military government led by junior army officers seized power after Conte’s death and promised to lead Guinea to free elections and a new era of civilian government. However, splits within the military establishment and the violent suppression of opposition demonstrations by the army nearly derailed the fragile democratization process. Army Captain Moussa Dadis Camara led the military junta that took power after Conte’s death. He initially pledged not to stand as a presidential candidate in the 2010 elections. But a few months later Camara changed his mind and began hinting that he would stand for election after all. Camara’s increasingly unpopular rule eventually provoked protest demonstrations in the capital Conakry in September 2009. These were brutally repressed by the army. Human rights groups said at least 157 people were killed in a sports stadium when soldiers opened fire on demonstrators and sexually assaulted women. Camara was forcibly removed from the political scene three months later. In December 2009, he was shot and seriously wounded by one of his aides in an apparent assassination attempt. After medical treatment in Morocco, Camara went quietly into exile. General Sekouba Konate, a former ally of Camara who opposed his bid to remain president, assumed power as interim head of state. He guided Guinea through presidential elections in June 2010 and a second round run-off between the two leading contenders in November. Konate finally handed over power to his elected successor, Alpha Conde, in December 2010. However, the electoral process was marred by ethnic violence between Guinea’s three main ethnic groups – the the Peul, the Malinke and the Soussou. Not surprisingly, the vote split along ethnic lines. The Malinke people rallied to veteran opposition leader Alpha Conde and his Rassemblement du Peuple de Guinee (RPG) party. The Peul meanwhile supported Cellou Dalein Diallo, a former prime minister under Lansana Conte, and his Union des Forces Democratiques de Guinee (UFDG). There were frequent clashes between Malinkes and Peuls as the two main parties traded accusations of fraud. The Sousou tribe, to which the late president Conte belonged, mostly swung behind Alpha Conde. 5
Conde won the second round run-off with 53% of the vote, according to official results. Diallo alleged fraud, but eventually conceded defeat, allowing Conde to be sworn in as president in December 2010. Despite the relatively peaceful transition to civilian rule, ethnic tensions continue to simmer. Political analysts feared that they could boil over again as Guinea headed towards parliamentary elections in late 2011. Guinea also faces possible destabilization as a result of problems in neighbouring countries. During the 1990s, Guinea hosted up to 800,000 refugees fom Liberia and Sierra Leone after these two countries collapsed into civil war. The Guinean government gave covert support to rebels opposing President Charles Taylor in Liberia. Taylor retaliated in kind. In 2000 the government in Conakry was forced to repel a Taylor-backed invasion of central Guinea by gunmen from Liberia. By 2011, Sierra Leone and Liberia were both a peace again under the rule of elected governments. Nearly all the Liberian and Sierra Leonean refugees in Guinea had gone home.
However, Guinea remained vulnerable to instability spilling over the border from its neighbours.
Guinea-Bissau, to the north, had fallen under the influence of South American drug smugglers and was regarded by many diplomats as a failed state.
Guinea-Conakry has also been used as a transit point for drug smuggling from South America into Europe.
In early 2011, Guinea’s eastern neighbor Cote d’Ivoire relapsed into full-scale civil war after seven years of armed truce between rival factions controlling the north and the south of the country.
Peace and democracy in Liberia and Sierra Leone meanwhile remained fragile.
The official language of Guinea is French. It is used widely in government, business and the media.
The main African languages spoken are Soussou, Malinke (also known as Maninka) and Peul (also known as Pular). These and several other local languages are also widely used on radio.
Peul is the most widely spoken local language in Guinea. 6
It is spoken by 40% of the population and dominates the Fouta Djallon highlands in the centre and north of the country.
The language of the Malinke people is a dialect of Mandingo, a language spoken in several West African countries.
Malinke is spoken by about 30% of the population. It is most common in northern and eastern parts of Guinea and neighbouring parts of Sierra Leone, Liberia and Mali.
Soussou is mainly spoken in the southwestern coastal area around Conakry. It is the mother tongue of about 20% of the population.
Kissi and Kpelle are widely spoken along parts of the southern border with Sierra Leone and Liberia. Several other local languages are spoken in the ethnically diverse Forest Region of southeastern Guinea, whose capital is the city of Nzerekore.
Language map of Guinea and Guinea Bissau- www.ethnologue.com
About 85% of the population of Guinea are Sunni Muslims.
About 8% are Christian. However, Christians, despite their minority status, are heavily represented in the country’s educated elite.
The remaining 7% follow traditional animist religions.
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Radio is the most common medium for disseminating information to the public. A government-run network of 23 community stations called Radio Rurale covers most of the interior.
Poor infrastructure, widespread poverty, low levels of literacy and tight government control of the media, have hampered the development of television and newspapers.
Only one in three adults can read and write.
Since the liberalization of broadcasting was first announced in 2005, at least 17 private radio stations have been established.
They now challenge the long-standing monopoly of the state broadcaster Radiodiffusion-Television Guinéenne (RTG) in Conakry and a handful of other towns in the interior.
Television remains a state monopoly, but it only reaches Conakry and a handful of other large towns.
Newspapers barely circulate outside the capital.
The use of mobile telephones, particularly for SMS messaging, is increasing rapidly.
5.7 million people – just over half the population – owned a mobile phone in late 2010, according to the GSM Association, which groups the world’s main mobile phone companies.
During the 2010 presidential elections, the crisis reporting platform Ushahidi www.ushahidi.com , was used by the NGO Alliance Guinea www.allianceguinea.org to collate several hundred reports of alleged voting irregularities from people on the ground. These reports were sent to the site via text messages and email in real time. The Ushahidi program allowed Alliance Guinea to track and map trouble hot spots and work with the Guinean Electoral Commission to tackle corruption and electoral impropriety. Ushahidi was also used to monitor outbreaks of violence. However, in November 2010, as the country waited for the official results of the presidential election to be announced, the government blocked all SMS messages for several days. It said SMS messages were being used to incite violence and spread hate speech. Internet penetration in Guinea is extremely low. Only 95,000 of the population actively used the internet in 2009 – less than one percent of the population, according to the International Telecommunications Union (ITU).
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However, plans to link Conakry to a submarine fibre-optic cable in 2011 could dramatically improve broadband services and reduce the cost of internet access.
Guinea at a glance:
Population 10.3 million (UN 2010)
Main languages French (Official language) Soussou, Peul, Malinke, Kissi and Kpelle.
GDP per capita $1000 (2009)
Adult literacy rate 38% (UNESCO 2008)
Radio ownership NEED INFO
TV set ownership 47 per 1,000 (CFI)
Mobile phone penetration Over 50% of the population (GSMA 2010)
Mobile network coverage 73% of population and 13% of territory (Agence de Regulation des Postes et Telecommunications 2011)
Internet subscribers 95,000 (ITU 2009)
Ranking in UN Human Development 156 (out of 182) Index 2010
Ranking in RSF World Press 113 (out of 178) Freedom Index 2010
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2. Media overview:
Radio is the dominant form of mass communication in Guinea. However, broadcasting remains heavily dominated by the state media. The government’s radio and TV stations have acted as a tightly controlled propaganda tool for the government ever since independence in 1958. Guinea’s transition to elected government since 2008 has done little to change that. Press freedom is a relatively new concept in the country. The first private radio station began broadcasting in 2006. Since then at least 17 private FM stations have been licensed to operate across Guinea. Most are concentrated in the capital Conakry, but a handful serve large towns in the interior, such as Kankan, Labe, Nzerekore, Siguiri, Faranah and Coyah. Private newspapers have been allowed to exist since 1991. However, newspaper readership remains small and is largely confined to educated and relatively affluent people in the capital. Restrictive media laws, government interference, intimidation, physical violence and a lack of funding, have all contributed to a difficult media environment. Violence against journalists became common-place in 2009 and 2010 during the difficult two-year transition to democracy. According to the US-based Committee to Protect Journalists www.cpj.org and the US based media development organization IREX www.irex.org many journalists were physically attacked. Most radio stations and newspapers found themselves practicing self-censorship to avoid retribution during this period. Following the bloody repression of the September 2009 demonstrations in Conakry against the military government led by Captain Moussa Dadis Camara, several journalists fled the country. Some private media also suspended operations temporarily for fear of recriminations. In the past, the government used restrictive media laws to imprison critical journalists and shut down opposition media outlets on charges of defamation. However, these were replaced with new more liberal media laws in 2010. The international freedom of expression organization Article 19 www.article19.org welcomed the new legislation as a significant step towards genuine press freedom. 10
The new media laws have removed prison sentences for defamation cases. They have also adopted a narrower legal definition of defamation and have made the offence much harder to prove in court. The 2010 media laws created a new regulatory body for the sector called the Haute Autorite de Communication or Higher Authority of Communication (HAC). This provides for much stronger representation of media interests in its membership than its predecessor, the Conseil National de Communication (CNC) or National Communication Council. However, in early 2011, the HAC was still not operational, so the CNC continued to function as Guinea’s de facto media regulator. The new media laws give legal recognition to the growing number of online media news websites and radio stations that have become important sources of independent information in recent years. The state broadcaster, Radiodiffusion-Television Guinéenne (RTG), operates a national radio service, which is variously called Radio Nationale or Radio Guinéenne. This broadcasts nationwide on FM from 29 transmitters across the country.
Radio Guinéenne also provides news bulletins and programme content for a government-run network of local 23 FM stations called Radio Rurale de Guinée.
The Radio Rurale stations, are nominally independent from RTG, but they rebroadcast its main daily news programme in French and translate some of its other programming into local languages.
The Radio Rurale stations are often the only radio outlets available in remote and otherwise media dark areas of the interior.
International broadcasters also form part of the Guinean radio media landscape.
BBC World Service and Radio France Internationale both use FM relay stations and partner stations to broadcast news and programmes in French in Conakry and a handful of other large towns.
RTG retains its monopoly on television in Guinea, but its terrestrial broadcasts only reach Conakry and the main cities of the interior. Television does not command a wide audience and is completely absent from most rural areas. There are only 47 television sets per 1,000 people in Guinea, according to the French media development organization Canal France International (CFI). Satellite television is available, but is not widely accessed. 11
There is only one daily newspaper in Guinea – the official government newspaper Horoya. However, this prints less than 1,000 copies per day and is barely read outside government circles. Several small weekly newspapers are published in Conakry. However, sales are low – no publication sells more than a few thousand copies. Very few newspapers of any kind are distributed outside the capital. According UNESCO, in 2008 only 38% of Guineans over the age of 15 could read and write.
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3. Radio Widespread poverty and high rates of illiteracy mean that radio is the most popular method of accessing information in Guinea. Audience participation programmes are extremely popular. Most private FM stations have at least one daily phone-in show. Many of the community stations in the government’s Radio Rurale network also broadcast phone-ins and round-table debates where local people have their say on topical local issues. The government began to license private radio stations in 2005, ending a half century monopoly of the air waves by the state broadcaster Radiodiffusion- Television Guinéenne (RTG). RTG operates two stations;
Radio Guinéenne also widely known as Radio Nationale, broadcasts nationwide on FM from Conakry Radio Kaloum Stereo (RKS) is an FM entertainment station that broadcasts to Conakry and the surrounding area.
RTG also provides news and programming for Radio Rurale de Guinée, a government-run network of 23 local FM stations in the interior of Guinea. Whereas RTG broadcasts mainly in French, Radio Rurale makes extensive use of local languages. The first private radio station to open in Guinea was Radio Nostalgie in Conakry. It began broadcasting in 2006. By the end of 2010, there were at least 17 private radio stations on air in Guinea. Most were based in Conakry, but there were also private radio stations challenging the state’s monopoly of the air waves in Coyah, Labe, Kankan, Nzerekore, Faranah and Siguiri. Poor funding and intermittent military aggression have made life difficult for the private radio stations. Many of them suffered intimidation and violent attack during the political transition years of 2009 and 2010. As a result, they practice heavy self-censorship to stay out of trouble. In some cases, editorial independence has been sacrificed for financial gain. According to media sources, many private radio stations allow their news coverage and editorial line to be influenced by payments from political and religious interest groups. 13
In addition to the private FM stations broadcasting in Guinea, there are also several internet radio stations that broadcast over the web from overseas. These include Radio Kankan www.radio-kankan.com based in Germany, and Radio Indiana Guinee www.barkere.net which operates from the United States.
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4. Radio stations Government radio stations
Radiodiffusion-Television Guinéenne (RTG) www.rtg-conakry.com RTG is Guinea’s state broadcaster. It runs the country’s only nationwide radio and television services. Until recently, RTG and its sister organization Radio Rurale de Guinée enjoyed a complete monopoly of both radio and television. However, in 2006, the first private radio stations opened in Conakry and began to compete with RTG and Radio Rurale for audiences. In early 2011 RTG still retained a complete monopoly on television broadcasting in Guinea. The organization has always been widely viewed as a biased news provider that broadcasts propaganda on behalf of the government. The advent of elected government in December 2010 did little to change that. In early 2011, RTG was churning out news and programming that was heavily biased in favour of President Alpha Conde and his government. In accordance with its long established practice, the state broadcaster gave virtually no airtime to the president’s critics. RTG operates two radio stations from its headquarters in Conakry. Both broadcast mainly in French.
Radio Guinéenne/Radio Nationale 88.5 FM This is the national radio service of RTG. The names Radio Guinéenne and Radio Nationale are used interchangeably. It broadcasts on 88.5 FM to Conakry and the surrounding area and from 29 relay stations that cover about half the main towns in the interior of Guinea. The station stopped broadcasting on short wave several years ago after its short wave transmitters broke down. Radio Guinéenne is on air from 06.00 until midnight. It broadcasts mainly in French, but also uses several local languages. These include Peul, Malinke, Soussou, Guerze, Kissi and Toma. The flagship daily news programme goes out at 19.45. This news programme is also relayed by the Radio Rurale de Guinée network of 23 local radio stations in the interior. 15
Many of the Radio Rurale stations are based in remote parts of the country where no other FM stations are available.
The link with Radio Rurale helps to extend the reach of Radio Guinéenne.
Its own transmitters in the interior are frequently out of action due to electricity supply problems.
Radio Guineene has FM repeater stations in the following towns:
Beyla Boffa Boké Dabola Dalaba Dinguiraye Faranah Fria Gaoual Gueckedou Kankan Kérouané Kindia Kissidougou Koubia Koundara Kouroussa Labé Lélouma Lola Mali Macenta Mamou Mandiana Nzérerékoré Siguiri Télémélé Tougué Yomou
Director of Radio Nationale/Radio Guineene – Kaba Conde Mob: 0224 60 29 04 12
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Radio Kaloum Stereo 94.9 FM (RKS)
RKS is a music and entertainment radio station.
It broadcasts in French from 08.00 until midnight in Conakry only.
There are short news bulletins on the hour and longer 15-minute news programmes at 15.00 and 19.00.
RKS also carries a lot of sports coverage.
The station mainly targets young people, but in recent years it has lost audience heavily to the private FM stations in Conakry.
RKS Director - Ibrahima Barry Mob : +224 60 33 30 88
Editor in Chief - Oumou Hawa Sylla Mob: +224 60 54 82 04 +224 68 18 03 04 Email: [email protected]
Radio Rurale de Guinée Radio Rurale de Guinee is a government-owned network of 23 local FM stations that covers most of the interior. There is a Radio Rurale station in the headquarters town of most of Guinea’s 33 prefectures (administrative divisions). The first two Radios Rurales were set up in the early 1990s. By 2011 Radio Rurale claimed that its network covered 90% of Guinea’s land area. There are four regional stations based in Kindia, Kankan, Labe and Nzérékoré. Each of these covers several prefectures with the help of multiple FM transmitter sites. In addition there are19 community stations in prefecture headquarters towns. These have only one or two transmitters and a much smaller reach. All Radio Rurale stations relay Radio Guinéenne’s main evening news programme in French at 19.45. Most of their own programming is in local languages. Much of it deals with farming, health, education and social and economic development issues that directly concern their local audience. 17
The Radios Rurales also broadcast a lot of programmes that encourage nation building and national unity. Most of the stations broadcast for two periods each day. Most are on air for a few hours in the morning and again at night, although some only broadcast in the evening. In February 2011, the network ordered all its stations to standardize their transmission times. The 19 smaller stations are supposed to be on air for eight hours per day from 07.00 to 11.00 and again from 19.00 to 23.00. The four larger regional stations are supposed to operate for 12 hours per day from 06.00 to 12.00 and again from 18.00 to midnight. However, in practice, many of the Radios Rurales are unable to follow these guidelines. All the stations are dependent on generators. These frequently break down or run short of fuel, so in practice Radio Rurale broadcasts are often irregular. Staff salaries are paid by the government. But each station is expected to raise revenue from advertising to purchase generator fuel and cover other running costs. Many of the Radio Rurale stations were set up with the help of grants from foreign donors, such as UNICEF and FAO, the governments of Netherlands Italy, the international children’s NGO Plan and the National Committee for the Fight against HIV/AIDS. In many cases their equipment is old and nearing the end of its useful life. Director General – Hawa Camille Camara Tel: +224 41 27 17 Email: [email protected]
Regional Radio Rurale stations
Radio Rurale de Basse Guinée 98.7FM, 99.2FM and 99.3 FM
This radio station is based in Kindia, about 130 km northeast of Conakry.
Its broadcasts reach all the coastal prefectures of Guinea, along with parts of Sierra Leone to the south and Guinea-Bissau to the north.
85% of the radio station’s output is in local languages, particularly Soussou.
It also carries programmes in Peul, Malinke, Kissi, Toma, Guerzé, Baga and Dialonké.
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Most of the programmes deal with farming issues, health and hygiene and local culture and traditions.
Radio Rurale Basse Guinée broadcasts from several different transmitters on 98.7FM, 99.2FM and 99.3 FM.
It can be heard clearly in the prefectures of Kindia, Boffa, Fria, Coyah Dubrékah and Forécariah.
Director - Mamady Diawara Mob: +224 60 29 39 51
Chef des Programmes : Aboubacar Sylla Mob +224 60 29 76 85
Office: +224 30 61 08 86 +224 30 61 09 00
Radio Rurale de Moyenne Guinée 103.1 FM
The radio station is based in Labé in the Fouta Djallon highlands of west central Guinea.
It covers the prefecture of Labé and parts of Lélouma, Tougué, Pita, and Dalaba to the south and east.
Most of the programming is in Peul, but some is in French.
The station broadcasts a daily regional news programme in Peul.
In February 2011, the station was operating on a reduced schedule because of electricity cuts, fuel shortages and problems in getting its ancient generator to work.
Radio Rurale Moyenne Guinée was one of the first two Radio Rurale stations to be set up in the early 1990s. Much of its analogue equipment dates from that era.
The radio station remains popular in rural areas, but has lost much of its audience in the city of Labé to privately owned competitors.
Director - Mamadou Bhoye Barry, widely known as “Colonel” Mob: +224 60 52 07 36 Head of Programmes- Madame Aissatou Bah Mob : +224 60 57 44 29
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Radio Rurale d’Haute Guinée 93.0 FM
This regional station broadcasts from the city of Kankan in east central Guinea.
It covers the prefectures of Kankan, Faranah, Kissidougou, Dabola, Dinguiraye, Siguiri, Kouroussa, Kérouané and Mandiana.
About 95% of the broadcasts are in Malinke. The remaining 5% are in French.
The station has a large network of local correspondents in the region, most of whom are teachers.
It broadcasts a lot of round table discussions. Many of these are staged in villages with strong participation from local people. Like many stations in the network, Radio Rurale Haute Guinée suffers chronic problems with its aged and worn out generator. As a result the station suffers frequent disruption to its broadcast schedule. Director - Sorel Bolocada Cissé Mob: +224 60 58 06 04 +224 68 58 06 04
Head of Programmes - Faceli Condé Mob: +224 62 45 69 05
Radio Rurale de Guinée Forestiere
This regional station broadcasts from Nzérékoré, the capital of the Forest Region in Southeastern Guinea.
It covers a potential audience of nearly 650,000 people in the prefectures of Nzérékoré, Macenta, Beyla, Lola and Yomou.
The station can also be heard in the Biankouma, Danané and Man districts of nearby Cote d’Ivoire and in Nimba County in northern Liberia.
Radio Rurale Guinée Forestiere broadcasts mainly in Kissi, Toma, Guerzé Mano and Konianké.
Only a handful of nationally networked programmes and public announcements are made in French.
The station has a strong rural audience.
Radio Rurale Guinée Forestiere has a single studio, which contains a mixture of old analogue and newer digital equipment. 20
Director - Chistophe Millimono Mob: +224 60 58 23 28 +224 66 51 71 33
Head of Programmes - Madame Edith Koivogui Mob : +224 67 35 69 70 +224 64 47 04 17 +224 60 50 97 30
Radio Rurale local community stations
Radio Rurale de Beyla 94.4FM and 98.2 FM
This radio station was established in Beyla in the extreme southeast of Guinea in 2008 with the help of Italian government aid.
Italy has also supported several women’s organizations in Beyla. The district is being developed by Rio Tinto as a major iron mining centre.
Radio Rurale de Beyla broadcasts on different frequencies from two separate transmitters. One of 300 watts is in Beyla town. The other of 100 watts is located near the Cote d’Ivoire border.
Between them, these two transmitters cover 11 of the 13 administrative districts of Beyla prefecture and parts of neighbouring Kerouane and Lola.
Since the 100 watt relay station is only 13 km from the frontier, Radio Rurale de Beyla can also be heard across the border in Cote d’Ivoire.
The station broadcasts for eight hours a day in Guerzé, Konia and Malinke.
It is on air eight hours a day, from 07.00 to 10.00 in the morning and again from 18.00 to 23.00 at night.
The radio employs 12 people and has two motorbikes for field reporting.
Director – Abdoulaye Yattara Mob: +224 62 02 60 20 +224 67 31 39 07
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Radio Rurale de Bissikirima 91.0 FM
This radio station is situated in Bissikirima in Dabola prefecture in central Guinea.
Bissikirima lies on the main road that goes along the spine of Guinea from Conakry to Kankan.
The station was launched in 2005 and broadcasts mainly in Peul and Malinke. French is used for public announcements.
Its 300 watt transmitter covers seven of the eight districts of Dabola prefecture and parts of neighbouring Faranah, Kouroussa and Dinguiraye.
The station has two studios and employs 11 staff. It has three motorbikes for reporting.
The station’s programmes focus mainly on farming, environmental issues, water hygiene, women’s issues and the promotion of education for girls.
Contact: Fatoumata Nagbe Bamba Mob: +224 67 76 59 87
Radio Rurale de Boké 95.3 FM
This radio station broadcasts from the bauxite mining town of Boké, situated on the coastal plain near the border with Guinea-Bissau.
Its 1,000 watt transmitter was donated by the local mining companies Alcan and ALCOA.
The station broadcasts mainly in Soussou. It also carries some programming in Peul, Nalou and Landouma.
Its signal covers the prefecture of Boké and also reaches parts of neighbouring Télémélé, Boffa and Gaoual.
The station can also be heard in most parts of southern Guinea-Bissau. Its signal even reaches the capital Bissau.
The programming focuses on farming, environmental and health issues, community affairs and arts and culture.
Radio Rurale de Boké’s local news programme Le Journal du Paysan is broadcast daily at 21.15.
Director - Madame Bah Bintou Rabi Mob: +224 62 30 50 17 +224 67 88 79 02 22
Head of Programmes - Amadou Camara Mob: +224 62 27 34 95
Radio Rurale de Dagomet
In early 2011, this radio station at Dagomet in the Dabola prefecture of east central Guinea, had been built, but had not yet started to broadcast.
Radio Rurale de Dinguiraye 98.6 FM
This radio station broadcasts from Dinguiraye, an Islamic shrine in north central Guinea.
Much of its programming is devoted to religious issues and the promotion of Islam.
The station broadcasts mainly in Peul and Malinke.
Its 300 watt transmitter covers four of the seven districts of Dinguiraye prefecture and parts of neighbouring Dabola, Kouroussa and Siguiri.
Radio Rurale de Dinguiraye is on air for seven hours a day, from 07.00 to 10.00 in the morning and again from 18.00 to 23.00 in the evening.
It employs 10 staff and has two motorbikes for reporting.
Contact – Dantily Camara Mob: +224 60 32 28 72 +224 68 71 30 04
Radio Rurale Faranah 88.2 FM
This radio station broadcasts from the town of Faranah in south central Guinea.
It covers the prefecture of Faranah and can sometimes be heard in the border area of nearby Sierra Leone.
The station broadcasts mainly in Peul, Sankaran, Kouranko and Dialonké.
It has two studios, one of which was not working in early 2011.
Like many radios rurales, the Faranah station is plagued by energy problems. In early 2011, it was only on air for six hours a day.
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The station broadcasts a daily local news programme Je Journal du Paysan in local languages at 20.40.
It also broadcasts a lot of music and programmes about education and health. It particularly encourages parents to send their daughters to school.
Director - Lamine Oularé Mob : +224 60 58 15 92 +224 62 24 30 12 +224 64 37 89 91
Head of Programmes - Tady Ibrahima Camara Mob : +224 64 50 98 91
Radio Rurale de Gaoual 98.6 FM This radio station, based in Gaoual in northwestern Guinea, was launched in 2010. Its 500 watt transmitter covers the prefecture of Gaoual and parts of the neighbouring Guinean prefectures of Mali, Lelouma and Télémélé. Radio Rurale de Gaoual can also be heard in nearby parts of Guinea-Bissau as far west at Gabu. The station broadcasts in Peul, Diakanké and Wamé. Much of its programming deals with bush fire prevention and the resolution of local conflicts between farmers and cattle herders, which are very common in this part of Guinea. Electricity supply problems meant that in early 2011 the radio was only on air for three hours a day from 19.00 to 22.00. The station has one studio and employs eight staff. Director – Sidi Diallo Mob : +224 62 12 43 92 +224 68 16 93 46
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Radio Rurale de Gueckedou This radio station is situated in Gueckedou in southeastern Guinea, close to the point where the borders of Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia meet. This area was drawn into the conflicts which affected all three countries over the past 20 years. It is also plagued by local conflicts between farmers and cattle herders. Much of the station’s programming is devoted to conflict prevention and the promotion of peace. The station was launched with financial assistance from the children’s NGO Plan International and opened in 2007. Radio Rurale de Gueckedou broadcasts in seven languages; Kissi, Lélé, Malinke, Peul, Loma, Guerzé and French. French is mainly used for public announcements. The station’s 300 watt transmitter covers all of Gueckedou prefecture and parts of neighbouring Kissidougou and Macenta. Since Gueckedou is only 3 km from the frontier, the radio station is also heard in nearby parts of Lofa County in Liberia and Koydu district in Sierra Leone. It is on air for eight hours per day, from 07.00 to 10.00 in the morning and again from 18.00 to 23.00 at night. Director – Gnouma Camara Tel: +224 60 52 56 74 +224 65 79 21 78
Radio Rurale de Kérouané 92.2FM
This radio station is based in Kérouané, a diamond mining town in Kankan province in southeastern Guinea.
It broadcasts in Konia, Malinke and Kouranko.
The station’s low-powered 300 watt transmitter only allows it to reach five of the seven sub-divisions of Kérouané prefecture and parts of neighbouring Kankan and Beyla.
Many of its programmes deal with the traditional music, rites and ceremonies of the area.
Some also focus on environmental issues, such as the pollution created by mining and the danger of bush fires.
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Radio Rurale Kérouané enjoys a large audience in rural communities.
Director - Malomady Kanté Mob : +224 64 93 95 44 +224 60 58 37 47 +224 62 08 10 15
Head of Programmes - Kaba Djeby Mob : +224 64 75 28 87
Radio Rurale de Kissidougou 95.4FM and 98.1 FM
This radio station broadcasts from Kissidougou in the Forest Region of southeastern Guinea, close to the border with Sierra Leone.
It covers the prefectures of Kissidougou and parts of neighbouring Faranah, Kankan et Kérouané. Nearly all the broadcasts are in local languages: Kissi, Kouranko, Lélé Malinke and Peul. However, public announcements and advertisements are made in French. The station broadcasts a daily regional news programme called Journal du Paysan in several local languages at 20.20. Director: Madame Diallo Fatou Traoré Mob: +224 62 00 60 77
Head of Programmes - Ibrahima Robert Kamano Mob: +224 60 36 25 43
Radio Rurale de Koundara 98.6 FM This small radio station is based in Koundara in northern Guinea, close to the point where the frontiers of Guinea, Senegal and Guinea Bissau meet. The town lies on the main road from Conakry to these two neighbouring countries. Radio Rurale de Koundara was set up with finance from the nearby Nikolo Badiar national park. Much of the radio’s programming focuses on wildlife conservation and the discouragement of poaching. Its broadcasts have been credited with helping to reduce poaching within the national park, which now boasts an abundance of wildlife. The station’s 300 watt transmitter covers the prefecture of Koundara and parts of Gaoual. 26
It can also be heard in nearby border areas of Senegal and Guinea-Bissau. The station has just one studio with a single microphone. However, it employs 14 people who produce programming in six local languages; Peul, Badjaranké, Koniagui, Bassari, Mandingo and Fulakunda. Radio Rurale de Koundara normally broadcasts for four hours in the evening from 18.30 to 23.00. Director – Ibrahima Tanou Diallo Mob: +224 64 69 88 38
Radio Rurale de Kouroussa This radio station is situated in Kouroussa in east central Guinea on the edge of the Haut Niger national park. Telephone communication with Kouroussa is difficult and information about this station was not available in early 2011.
Radio Rurale de Macenta 98.2 FM and 88.6 FM This radio station is based at Macenta, near the Liberian border, in southeast Guinea. It produces several audience participation programmes that discuss topical issues in local languages. These live debates are extremely popular. The station has two transmitters of 500 watts and 300 watts respectively. One is located at the summit of Mount Ziama at an altitude of 1,387 metres. The Ziama Massif is a World Biosphere Reserve, reknowned for the diversity of its birdlife. The high elevation of the mast on Mount Ziama gives Radio Rurale de Macenta coverage of the whole of Macenta prefecture, along with nearby parts of Nzérékoré, Beyla Kérouané Kissidougou, Gueckedou, Lola and Yomou. Its signal also reaches into Northwestern Liberia and into Cote d’Ivoire as far as Danane. The station broadcasts in Loma, Mania, Kissi, Guerzé, Malinke and French. It was set up with help from Radio Netherlands, the World Bank and Guinea’s Comite National de Lutte contre le Sida (CNLS) (National Committee for the Fight against HIV/AIDS). 27
Radio Rurale de Macenta broadcasts for eight hours per day, from 07.00 to 10.00 in the morning, and again from 18.00 to 23.00 at night. It has two studios. Director - René Cécé Sagno Mob: +224 67 58 90 30 +224 60 58 90 30
Radio Rurale de Mali 101.6 FM This radio station is situated in the small town of Mali in the picturesque Fouta Djallon highlands of west central Guinea. Mali is something of a tourist centre and draws many visitors, attracted by the surrounding scenery. The radio station was launched in 2010 and broadcasts for just 3.5 hours per day in the evening from 19.00 to 23.30. However, thanks to the high altitude of Mali – the town stands at more than 1,300 metres above sea level – its 500 watt transmitter achieves wide coverage. Radio Rurale de Mali can be heard in much of northern Guinea and in southern parts of Senegal, Mali and Guinea-Bissau. It broadcasts in Peul, French and Dialonké. The programmes deal mainly with farming, ranching, health, education, handcrafts and youth issues. The radio station employs 18 staff and has two motorbikes for reporting trips. Director –Souleymane Kankouma Diallo Tel: +224 6818 38 57 +224 60 61 49 72
Radio Rurale de Mamou 101.1 FM and 91.1 FM This community station based in the crossroads town of Mamou in west central Guinea, uses two separate transmitters to cover the surrounding valleys in the Fouta Djallon highlands. It broadcasts on 500 watts from one transmitter and 300 watts from the other. Its signal reaches 11 of the 13 districts in Mamou prefecture and parts of neighbouring Kindia and Dalaba. 28
The station broadcasts in Peul, Soussou and Malinke. Its programmes focus on farming, environmental protection, health, education, community participation, youth and women’s issues. Radio Rurale de Mamou employs 15 staff and has two motorbikes for field reporting. Director - Kande Oumar Toure Mob: +224 60 57 09 07 Tel: +224 30 68 09 98
Radio Rurale de Pita This new radio station in Pita, near Labe in west central Guinea, was still under construction in early 2011.
Radio Rurale Siguiri 94.4 FM
This radio station is based in the gold mining town of Siguiri in northeastern Guinea near the border with Mali.
About 80% of its programmes are in Malinke. The remainder are in French.
Radio Rurale Siguiri covers a potential audience of nearly 680,000 people in the prefecture of of Siguiri and parts of Mandiana to the south.
The station carries a daily local news programme in Malinke, which lasts 20 minutes.
Some of its programmes deal with environmental issues of local relevance, such as the pollution caused by mining and the prevention of bush fires.
Director - Alpha Fodé Dembelé Mob :+224 68 12 32 55 +224 60 58 06 01
Head of Programmes: Mamadou Tchiam Mob: +224 60 31 10 34 +224 66 92 95 00
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Radio Rurale de Télémélé 97.7 FM
This radio station is situated in the town of Télémélé in the foothills of the Fouta Djallon highlands in western Guinea.
It broadcasts in Peul and Soussou and, to a lesser extent, in French.
The station’s 300 watt transmitter covers the whole of Télémélé prefecture and parts of neighouring Kindia, Mamou, Pita and Dalaba.
Radio Rurale de Télémélé was set up in 2007 with the help of the World Bank, the Netherlands and Guinea’s Comité National de lutte contre le Sida (CNLS) (National Committee for the Fight against HIV/AIDS).
Its programming focuses on farming, environmental issues and women and children’s issues.
The station broadcasts for eight hours a day from 07.00 to 10.00 in the morning and again from 18.00 to 23.00 in the evening.
It employs 15 people.
Director – Madame Aminata Camara Mob: +224 60 52 01 23
Radio Rurale de Tougué 98.3 FM
This station broadcasts from the town of Tougué in central Guinea. Its 500 watt transmitter covers the prefectures of Tougué and Koubia and parts of nearby Labe, Mali, Dalaba, Dabola, Pita, Mamou and Dinguiraye. Nearly all its broadcasts are in Peul. The station also uses French occasionally. The surrounding area has long suffered from conflicts between farmers and cattle herders and much of the radio station’s programming dwells on this problem. It also deals with farming issues, the protection of water sources and local culture. The station was launched in 2009. It has two studios and normally broadcasts from 18.00 to 22.00. Contact –Abass Bah Mob : +224 62 13 70 38 +224 64 62 48 55 +224 60 57 09 07
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Private radio stations
Espace FM– Conakry/Labé espacefmguinee.info/index.php Espace FM is one of the most popular radio stations in both Conakry and Labé.
It broadcasts in French, producing a steady diet of music, news and phone-in programmes aimed at young people.
The main news programme goes out at 18.00 and lasts 30 minutes.
Espace FM’s flagship phone-in programme Grandes Gueles (Big Mouths) deals frankly with all sorts of topical issues. It attracts a huge audience.
The station broadcasts in Conakry on 99.6 FM and in Labé on 99.7 FM.
The Conakry station is on air round the clock. Between 23.30 and 07.00 live programmes are replaced by a pre-recorded music playlist. The Labé station is on air from 06.00 to midnight.
It relays 90% of the programming broadcast by its sister station in Conakry.
However, from Monday to Thursday, Labé opts out to broadcast a 30-minute news analysis programme in Peul.
Its signal covers the prefectures of Labé, Dalaba Koubia and Mali.
Director General – Lamine Guirassy Tel: +224 30 47 66 66 Mob:+224 65 66 99 60 +224 68 66 99 60
Head of News - Ahmed Camara Mob : +224 68 69 99 60
Editor in Chief - Ibrahima Bantanco Bah Mob +224 68 70 99 60
Email: [email protected]
Address: Espace FM Guinée Quartier Matoto, Immeuble Mouna BP 256 Conakry
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Sabari 97.3 FM – Conakry www.sabarifm.com Sabari FM was set up by Le Diplomate, a weekly independent newspaper based in Conakry, with funding from UNESCO’s International Programme for the Development of Communication (IPDC). It is a talk radio station aimed mainly at young people.
Sabari FM broadcasts mainly in French from a 1,000 watt FM transmitter in Conakry. Its signal reaches the coastal prefectures of Coyah, Boké, Boffa, Dubrécah Fria and Forécariah.
It can also be heard across the southern border in parts of Sierra Léone.
Sabari FM’s programming is mainly dedicated to social and cultural issues, the economy, the environment and African and international music.
The station airs a lot of phone-in debates on political and social issues. Besides French, these phone-in programmes also use local languages such as Soussou, Peul, Malinke and Guerze. Sabari FM also broadcasts messages advocating conflict prevention and resolution.
There are news bulletins on the hour and a main news programme called Le Journal des Analphabetes (News for illiterates) at 20.00.
Sabari FM is based in the eastern suburb of Koloma, which was a stronghold of defeated presidential candidates Cellou Dalein Diallo in the 2010 presidential elections. However, the radio station’s owner, Kerfala Sanou Cissé, has close connections with Alpha Conde. Following the run-off vote in November 2010, the radio station was attacked by Diallo supporters who alleged that Sabari FM had been instrumental in bringing about their candidate’s defeat. Group Executive Chairman – Kerfala Sanou Cissé Tel: +224 65 75 00 00 +224 65 75 55 55 +224 62 35 51 51
Head of Programmes - Malick Marcel Bangoura Tel: +224 65 75 70 00 Tel: +224 64.51.51.51 Email: [email protected]
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Liberté 101.7 FM – Conakry/Nzérékoré www.radiolibertefm.com Liberté FM broadcasts from Conakry and Nzérékoré between 06.00 and midnight. The Conakry station has been on air since 2006. It is one of the most popular radio stations in the capital. The Nzérékoré station, launched in 2010, carries independent programming. Both stations broadcast on the same frequency – 101.7 FM. They target a broad audience with a mixture of music, news, sport and entertainment. They also broadcast several audience participation programmes. These include political debates and call-in shows for young people on social issues. The flagship phone-in programme of the Conakry station is Matinee Plurielle. It goes out Monday to Friday from 09.00 to 11.00. Liberte FM broadcasts five local news bulletins a day and relays international news programmes from BBC Afrique at 06.00, 12.00 and 18.00. It also relays live BBC Afrique coverage of English premier league football on Saturdays. The Liberty FM network is owned by Youssouf Diallo, a businessman and former minister in the regime of President Lansana Conté.
His wife, Aissatou Bella Diallo, is a journalist and former information minister.
In February 2008 soldiers from the presidential guard arrested two people working for the station and looted its Conakry studios. The soldiers accused Liberte FM of carrying interviews that were critical of President Lansana Conté. The Conakry station covers the capital and the coastal prefectures of Kindia, Forécariah, Coyah and Dubrécah.
Director General - Ibrahima Diallo Mob: +224 60.54.17.53 +244 64.50.22.47 Tel: +224 30 43 28 92 Email: [email protected] [email protected]
Director of Programmes – Mohamed Tondon Camara Mob: +224 64 33 42 52
Manager of Nzérékoré station – Madani Tcham Tel : +224 64 33 42 52
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Address: Radio Liberte FM Immeuble Zaidan, Quartier Almamya, Commune de Kaloum, Conakry
Nostalgie Guinée 98.2 FM – Conakry www.nostalgieguinee.net Radio Nostalgie Guinée was the first private radio station to be set up in Guinea in 2006. It broadcasts a mixture of talk shows and music and is aimed at a broad audience. Most of the output is in French, but many of the programmes also use Guinea’s three main local languages; Soussou, Peul and Malinke. The station is based in the central Kaloum district of Conakry and is on air 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 20 hours is live programming. The remaining four hours during the night are taken up with music from a pre-recorded playlist. Nostalgie is mainly dedicated to music. However, the station also carries drama, news and cultural programmes. Its flagship phone-in programme Zone Libre deals with a broad range of problems in society. It is broadcast daily Monday to Friday from 13.00 to 15.00, using a mixture of Soussou, Peul and Malinke. Nostalgie claims to reach a wide audience, including the educated elite, university students, young people and poorer, less educated communities. It organized a series of political debates before the 2010 presidential elections. The station has a 1000 watt transmitter in Conakry. Its signal reaches Fria (north of Conakry), Kamsar and Boké (north of Conakry), Kindia (northeast of Conakry) and Forécariah (southeast east of Conakry). Radio Nostalgie’s has plans to extend its coverage to Kindia, Mamou, Labé, Kankan, Nzérékoré and Siguiri. Director - Souhel Hajjar Mob: +224 64 21 12 82 +224 65 44 44 44 Email: [email protected]
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Head of Programmes - Ibrahoma Ndiaye Mob: +224 62 23 99 90 +224 64 23 99 90
Familia FM 105.3 FM – Conakry www.familiafm.com/index.php/home Radio Familia FM was set up by the local women’s NGO Actualité Féminine En Guinée (AFEG), in partnership with UNICEF, Search For Common Ground, Population Services International (PSI) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to promote family values and women’s rights in Guinea. It used to broadcast from Conakry on 105.3 FM and 4.900 MHz short wave for 19 hours a day between 06.00hr and 01.00.
However, the station was closed in February 2011 following a dispute between its Canadian manager and its Guinean director.
It was not clear whether or when Familia FM would reopen.
In 2009, Familia FM became a propaganda mouthpiece for Captain Moussa Dadis Camara, the head of the transitional military government at the time.
It supported his ambition to be a candidate in the 2010 presidential elections and engaged in hate speech against his opponents.
The station was warned several times by Guinea’s association of private broadcasters l’Union des Radios et Télévisions libres de Guinée (URTELGUI) about its use of hate speech which ran counter to the organization’s code of conduct.
Programming on Familia FM ranged from news and phone-in discussion shows to sports, cultural, family and entertainment content.
Half of the radio station’s programming was in French.
It also broadcast programmes in Peul, Sousou, Malinke and Kpèllè.
Radio Familia claimed to reach over two million people in Conakry and the surrounding areas of Kindia, Bofa, Fria, Dubreka and Forécariah.
It aspired to achieve complete national coverage.
However, the station was closed by the government media regulator the Conseil National de la Communication (CNC) (National Council for Communication) in February 2011 as the result of a dispute between its Canadian manager Colette Baudais and its Guinean director Kaleb Kolié.
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Baudais was awarded the radio stadios and their equipment, but Kolié was given the rights to the name of the radio station and its broadcasting licence.
Map of Radio Familia FM coverage Source: Familia FM website
Contact: Director-General – Colette Baudais Tel: +244 62 41 28 93 Email: [email protected]
Horizon 103.4 FM Conakry/Kankan (no website)
Horizon FM operates two radio stations in Conakry and Kankan which broadcast separate programming. Both carry a broad range of music and talk shows in French and local languages. The twin stations were set up by Boubacar Yacine Diallo a former Information Minister and former head of the state broadcaster RTG. The flagship programme of the Conakry station is a daily phone-in called Face à l’Actualité (Facing Reality), which goes out from 10.00 to 12.00. 36
Horizon FM Conakry carries five major news bulletins per day. The signal of the Conakry station reaches the prefectures adjoining the capital and is sometimes received as far north as Boke. It is often heard in northern Sierra Leone. The Kankan station broadcasts from a 500 watt transmitter which reaches as far as Kouroussa and Siguiri. It is very popular with university students in Kankan and people in the gold mining area of Kouroussa prefecture. Horizon FM Kankan broadcasts in Malinke, Peul, Soussou, Guerzé, Kissi Konia and French. The station depends entirely on a generator, so it is only on air for 14 hours per day, from 08.00 to 16.00 and again from 18.00 to midnight. Horizon FM Kankan carries news bulletins on the hour and three longer regional news programmes per day. Its programming covers political, economic, social and cultural issues. One of its most popular programmes features griots – traditional wandering troubadours – who talk and sing about Mandingo history and culture. Executive chairman - Boubacar Yacine Diallo Tel: +224 60.25.14.60 Email: [email protected]
Director – Madame Hawa Diop (wife of Boubacar Yacine Diallo) Mob: +244 6022 93 10
Director of Horizon FM Kankan – Sarbou Keita Mob: +224 62 22 99 66 +224 64 40 05 47
Radio Milo 99.5 FM – Kankan/Siguiri www.milo-fm.com
Radio Milo is based in Kankan. In October 2010, the station set up an offshoot in Siguiri, broadcasting on the same frequency. Radio Milo was the first private radio station to be established in the interior of Guinea. It belongs to a Kankan-based NGO called Groupe Préfectoral de l’Information de l’Education et de la Communication (GPIEC). Milo FM broadcasts round the clock in French and Malinke. It carries talk shows on political, economic, environmental, agricultural, education and health issues and a lot of phone-ins. 37
One of these phone-ins – dedicated to night owls – lasts from midnight until 05.00 . Milo FM carries a 60-minute news programme in Malinke at 06.00 each morning.
It relays one hour of programmes from Radio Deutsche Welle at 12.00 Monday to Friday and one hour of programmes from Voice of America (VOA) at 19.00.
Director-General - Lanciné Lass Kaba Mob : +224 63 34 34 08 +224 60 27 28 30 Email : [email protected]
Directeur of Programmes : Amadou Tchiam Mob: +224 65 74 82 24
Email: [email protected]
Address: Milo FM Cherifoula, Kankan
Cherie 104.01 FM – Conakry www.cheriefmguinee.com/index.php Cherie FM broadcasts a mixture of talk shows, music and sport in French in Conakry. The station broadcasts a phone-in programme at lunch time Monday to Friday that focuses on topical issues. There is normally a high profile studio guest to answer questions from listeners on its Friday programme. Cherie FM is on air 24 hours a day. There are extended 15-minute news bulletins at 12.00, 16.00 and 19.00. The signal from Cherie FM’s 1,000 watt transmitter reaches all of Conakry and the nearby prefectures of Dubrécah Forécariah and Fria. Director - Chantal Colle Mob: +224 64 21 51 51
Head of News – Conde Aboubacar Tel: +224 24 63 00 24 Mob: +224 60 35 09 15
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Soleil 93.5 FM – Conakry
Soleil FM is based in Conakry. This talk radio station is owned by Martine Conde, a close associate of President Alpha Conde. She was the information director of his 2010 election campaign and was named president of the government media regulator, the National Council of Communication (CNC) after he came to power. Soleil FM broadcasts in French, Malinke, Soussou, Peul and Guerzé. It carries a lot of political discussion programmes and programmes for women. Its flagship daily phone-in show La Grogne (The moan) is very popular. Soleil FM suspended broadcasting for a short period in 2007 after its building was raked by gunfire during protest demonstrations against the regime of former president Lansana Conte. The station‘s signal covers Conakry and the surrounding area as far south as the frontier with Sierra Leone. General Manager - Morlaye Kaba Mob : +224 67 07 07 77
Deputy General Manager - Saiba Keita Mob: +224 67 36 54 32
Head of Programmes: Mata Afiwa Mob: +224 67 40 50 94 +224 64 31 55 70
Email: [email protected]
Djigui 105.7/107.7 FM – Conakry
This Conakry talk radio station is popular among young people. It is the only radio station in Guinea which carries a programme about love and romance - Problème de Cœur (Heart Problem). The overwhelming majority of its programmes are interactive. Djigui FM broadcasts in French, Soussou, Malinke, Peul, Guerzé and Toma. The station belongs to Mamady Diawara, a defeated candidate in the first round of the 2010 presidential election. He threw his support behind Alpha Conde in the second round run-off. 39
Manager - Kalil Oularé Mob : +224 66 37 14 81 +224 67 10 55 01
Deputy Manager - Atou Diaye Mob : +224 62 35 15 10
Djoliba 95.6 FM – Conakry/Siguiri
Djoliba FM is based in Conakry and operates a subsidiary FM station in the eastern town of Siguiri. Both broadcast on 95.6 FM. The stations belong to Soriba Doumbouya, a successful businessman with political connections who also owns the Djoliba Peche fishing company. His uncle, Lansana Kouyate, served as prime minister under former president Lansana Conte and was an unsuccessful candidate in the 2010 presidential elections. Djoliba FM carries a wide range of programming aimed at a broad audience. It includes civic education programmes and programmes about womens’s rights and the environment. The station relays 25 minutes of programmes in French from Radio France Internationale (RFI) at 07.00 every morning. Environmental protection is a major issue in Siguiri, where gold mines spoil the landscape and cause pollution and where forest fires are common. In theory, both stations are on air for 24 hours per day, but in practice, they often close at 02.00 for a few hours during the early morning. Djoliba FM in Conakry broadcasts in French, Soussou, Peul, Malinke and Konianké. It carries a lot of audience participation programmes. The station can be heard throughout the capital and sometimes in the neighbouring prefectures of Coyah and Dubrécah. The Siguiri station broadcasts mainly in Malinke and French. Its 1,000 watt transmitter was only working at 600 watts in April 2011. Its signal covered the whole of Siguiri prefecture up to the frontier with Mali and parts of the neighbouring prefectures of Mandian and Kankan to the south. Chairman and owner - Soriba Doumbouyah Mob: +224 3043 43 28
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Alternative contact in Conakry: Sékou Mahdi Traore Tel: +224 64.35.76.05 Email: [email protected]
Director of Siguiri radio station – Konate Mory Mob: +224 66 04 43 66 +224 67 04 50 51
SWET FM 102.2 FM – Conakry
Koffi FM is a Conakry university radio station aimed at young people in the 15-20 age bracket. It broadcasts exclusively in French and carries a lot of phone-in programmes. There is a daily news programme at 17.00. The station was set up by Ousemane Kaka, a former finance minister under the regime of Lansana Conte. Management has been contracted out to Lamine Guirrassy, the head of Espace FM.
Director - Lamine Guirassy Mob : +224 65 66 99 60 +224 68 66 99 60
Atlantic 96.5 FM - Conakry
Atlantic FM is a music and entertainment station based in Conakry that caters particularly for youth and women.
It belongs to Bakary Fofana, who served as foreign minister in the 2009-2010 transitional government of General Sekouba Konate.
The station broadcasts in French, Soussou, Peul and Malinke.
Atlantic FM’s studios are based in Conakry’s northern suburb of Kaporo Rails.
Its signal covers the entire city and its immediate outskirts.
Director - Mohamed Fofana Mob : +224 66 08 19 06 +224 65 45 69 69
Director of Programmes : Billy Condé Nankouma Mob: +224 64 72 80 99 41
Gangan 101.1 FM - Conakry
This Conakry station broadcasts a wide range of programming in French, Soussou, Peul and Malinke. It broadcasts a lot of debates on political, economic, social and cultural issues. Some of them involve audience participation. Gangan FM belongs to AIS Engineering, a company owned by Ibrahima Abbé Sylla, the leader of the Nouvelle Génération pour la République (NGR) (New Generation of the Republic) party. Sylla was an unsuccessful candidate in the first round of the 2010 presidential election. He supported the defeated candidate Cellou Dalein Diallo in the second round run-off. Gangan FM broadcasts 24 hours a day. Its five daily news programmes are all in French. The station was launched in September 2010. It employs 23 staff. Gangan FM is based in the eastern suburb of Matoto. Its signal covers the city of Conakry and its immediate surroundings. Director - Mohamed Baba Sylla Mob : +224 64 86 10 25 Head of Broadcasting - Mohamed Sylla Mob : +224 24 32 02 02
Voix de L’Afrique 97.8 FM - Dubrécah
This radio station, based in the prefecture of Dubrécah, 50 km east of Conakry, is dedicated to science and education.
Its programmes are aimed mainly at students and teachers in the outer suburbs of the capital.
The station was set up by Aboubacar Camara, a journalist specializing in scientific issues.
Its flagship programme is Salut les Copains (Hi Guys), a 60-minute phone-in show which goes out daily at 13.00.
La Voix de l’Afrique (The Voice of Africa) is normally on air continuously from 05.00 to midnight.
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However, its broadcasts are often interrupted by electricity cuts.
The station’s small 200 watt transmitter covers the outer suburbs of Conakry and parts of the prefectures of Dubrécah, Coyah et Forécariah.
Chairman and owner – Aboubacar Camara Mob : +224 67 97 89 78/ 00 224 64 30 20 20
Director - M’mah Hawa Youla (the wife of Aboubacar Camara) Mob : +224 67 87 37 20
Tel (Office): 00224 64 45 06 96 Email: [email protected]
Bambou 89.3 FM – Coyah/ Faranah
The Guinean women’s rights NGO Coalition Nationale de Guinee pour les Droits et la Citoyennete des Femmes (CONAG-DCF) (the National Coalition of Guinea for Women’s Rights and Citizenship) runs two community radio stations. Both are called Bambou FM. One is in Coyah, a small town 50 km inland from Conakry. The other is in Faranah in south central Guinea. Both stations broadcast programmes about the rights of women and children that mainly target a female audience. Bambou FM in Coyah went on air in May 2010, but it has been plagued by electricity supply and generator problems. It is normally on air for six hours a day from 07.00 to 09.00 in the morning and again from 18.00 to 22.00 at night. The station broadcasts mainly in Soussou. It also carries public announcements in Peul, Malinke, Guerzé and Kissi. The Faranah station went off air in August 2010 after a storm damaged its transmission mast. It had also been in dispute with Radio Rurale de Faranah over the use of its frequency. The station was planning to resume broadcasting in 2011 on a new frequency. Director Bambou FM Coyah - Madame Touré Tabara Yansané Mob : +224 66 35 95 40 +224 60 52 01 24
Head of Programmes - Monic Bangoura Mob : +224 64 91 61 11
Tel (general number): +224 67 19 89 45 43
Contact for Bambou FM Faranah - Madame Binta Nabé (Treasurer CONAG DCF) Mob :+224 6052 45 26 Email : [email protected]
International radio stations
Radio France Internationale (RFI) www.rfi.fr RFI has FM relay stations in Conakry, Labé, Kankan (89.9 FM) and Nzérékoré. They broadcast news and other programming 24 hours a day in French. RFI began transmitting in Conakry in 2007. Its 1,000 watt transmitter on the RTG mast at the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications covers Conakry also reaches the nearby préfectures of Coyah, Dubrécah, Forécariah and Boffa. Guinea Correspondant - Mouctar Bah Mob +224 60 54 77 97
BBC World Service www.bbc.co.uk/afrique The BBC World Service broadcasts round the clock in Conakry and Labé on 93.9 FM in French and English. Its French language services for Africa are branded as BBC Afrique. Some BBC Afrique news programmes in French are relayed by the private radio station Liberté 101.7 FM in Conakry. During the run-up to the first round of presidential elections in June 2010, BBC Afrique, in partnership with Liberté FM, aired a BBC Election Night Live programme from Conakry. Like RFI, the BBC uses a 1,000 watt transmitter in Conakry, mounted on the RTG mast at the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications. This provides a 100 km radius coverage area. It includes the prefectures of Coyah, Dubrécah, Forécariah and Boffa. BBC Afrique claims 1.7 million regular listeners in Guinea. In early 2011, it had plans to install additional FM relay stations in Kankan and Nzérékoré. 44
Guinea correspondent - Makèmè Bamba Mob: +224 60 33 01 09 +224 62 62 33 62
Head of BBC Afrique West Africa bureau (Dakar) - Ibrahima Diané Mob: +224 77 742 05 25 Email: [email protected]
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4. Television Television in Guinea remains a monopoly of the state broadcaster Radio Television Guineenne (RTG) www.rtg-conakry.com Television is less popular in Guinea than radio and viewers are mainly concentrated in urban areas. According to Canal France International (CFI), which supplies programming to RTG, there are only 47 TV sets per 1,000 population. Poverty, an unreliable mains power supply and patchy TV reception have contributed to this situation. RTG claims that its free-to-air terrestrial TV signal reaches 40% of the country. It also broadcasts TV by satellite, but few Guineans have a satellite dish. Since Alpha Conde assumed the presidency at the end of 2010, RTG Television has remained a tightly controlled propaganda tool of the government, despite the appointment of new senior management. The TV news is dominated by positive stories about the president and members of his government. The opposition only receives token coverage during the run-up to elections. As a result, RTG Television has very low credibility as a source of news and information. RTG Television has a very low programme production budget. Most of its entertainment shows and documentaries are imports. There are two TV channels, RTG1 and RTG2.
RTG1 RTG’s national television channel is on air from 08.00 to midnight. The main 30-minute news programme goes out at 20.30. There is a shorter 15-minute news bulletin at 19.00. RTG1 has a very small production budget, so most of the time it shows imported documentaries. The channel broadcasts from a new Chinese-built studio complex in Conakry’s northern suburb of Koloma. Director General – Mamadou Dia Mob: +224 60 29 51 97
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RTG2 RTG’s second channel was launched in 2007 as a more commercial and entertainment focused alternative to RTG1. It only broadcasts to the city of Conakry and is not available on satellite. RTG2 has never really taken off. The channel is only on air from 09.00 to 18.00. It shuts down before the evening peak viewing period. RTG2 broadcasts two 30-minute news programmes at 13.00 and 17.00 Their content is virtually the same as the news programmes on RTG1. RTG2’s programming consists mainly of Guinean music videos and imported documentaries and entertainment shows in French. Some local productions also use Peul, Soussou and Malinke. RTG2 operates from the state broadcaster’s old headquarters building at Boulbinet in central Conakry. Director General – Mariama Dubrecah Camara Mob: +224 60 23 13 44 +224 60 29 63 01
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5. Newspapers and magazines The publication and distribution of newspapers and magazines is limited to Conakry. Very few copies reach the interior. Low levels of literacy, widespread poverty and difficulties in distributing newspapers in the interior have limited the growth of the print media in Guinea. Only 38% of adults can read and write. The only daily newspaper is Horoya, a government propaganda mouthpiece, which sells less than 1,000 copies per day. Horoya is run by the Ministry of Information, along with the government news agency Agence Guineene de Presse (AGP). Following the liberalization of the print media in 1991, several privately owned newspapers appeared in Conakry. Most are published weekly or fortnightly. By 2008, at least 10 private newspapers were being published regularly in Conakry. Some of them also publish online. The oldest and most respected independent weeklies are Le Lynx and La Lance, which are owned by the same publishing house, and Le Diplomate, which also owns the Conakry radio station Sabari FM. High printing costs, censorship, intimidation by the military junta and restrictive media laws have all served to create a difficult environment for the print media. The Panos Institute estimated total newspaper circulation in Guinea at 30,000. However, several newspapers reach a wider audience, especially amongst the diaspora overseas, by publishing online. The diaspora and the minority of educated Guineans at home with access to the internet, are also served by a growing number of news websites about Guinea. Many of these, such as www.guineenews.com which is run from Canada, are based overseas.
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Main newspapers published in Guinea
Horoya
Guinea’s only daily newspaper is owned and subsidized by the Ministry of Information. Its director general is appointed by the president.
Although it is beset by financial difficulties, Horoya continues to print about 650 copies per day.
Most of these are circulated to members of the government and civil service in Conakry. It is rare to see Horoya on sale in the street.
Horoya has traditionally been little more than a government propaganda sheet. Its opinion columns closely reflect the official government line.
However, President Alpha Conde named a new director for the newspaper in early 2011 - Alhassane Souaré. He has promised to introduce big changes.
Director-General- Alhassane Souaré Mob : +224 62 66 25 62
Le Lynx www.afribone.net.gn/lynx (website does not work)
Le Lynx is a satirical weekly newspaper owned by the Lynx-Lance group. This also publishes La Lance, a more conventional weekly newspaper. Le Lynx and La Lance are the two most widely read and influential newspapers in Guinea. The Lynx-Lance group owns its own printing press and employs 54 people. Le Lynx covers current affairs and political debates. It also contains investigative reports, interviews and analysis. The newspaper is published every Monday and sells about 7,000 copies a week. The overwhelming majority of sales are in Conakry, but management claims that the newspaper also reaches 20 of Guinea’s 33 prefectures in the interior. The newspaper began publishing in 1992. General Manager - Souleymane Diallo Mob: +224 68 25 27 82 +224 60 25 27 82
Director of Publication : Assane Keita Mob : +224 60 26 96 24
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Tel: +224 30 41 23 85
Email: [email protected]
Address: Immeuble Balde Zaire, 3rd Floor, Sandervalia, BP 4968, Commune de Kaloum, Conakry
La Lance www.lalance.com
La Lance is a weekly newspaper owned by the Lynx-Lance group. The newspaper is published on Wednesdays and sells about 6,000 copies per week. It began publishing in 1992. La Lance has frequently been in trouble with the authorities. Shortly before former president Lansana Conte died in December 2008, the editor was summoned to the presidency to explain why it has published a picture of the head of state showing him to be clearly thin and ill. Editor in Chief – Abubakar Second name? Mob: +224 60 34 17 59 +224 66 68 50 51
Tel: +224 30 41 23 85 Mob: +224 62 66 41 73
Email: [email protected]
Address: Immeuble Balde Zaire, 3rd Floor, Sandervalia, BP 4968, Commune de Kaloum, Conakry
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Le Diplomate www.sabarifm.com
Le Diplomate is a weekly newspaper based in Conakry known for its politically neutral views and current affairs reporting. It was founded by Kerfalla Sanou Cissé, a fomer journalist with Le Lynx/La Lance, in 2002.
Le Diplomate is published every Tuesday. It sells about 1,000 copies a week, mostly in Conakry. The newspaper employs nine people. The same media group also owns the Conakry-based radio station Sabari FM and the women’s magazine Les Amazones. Group Executive Chairman - Kerfalla Sanou Cissé Mob : +224 64 51 51 51 +224 65 51 51 51
Director of Publication - Amadou Makissa Diallo Mob : +224 60 55 91 63 +224 62 41 61 01 .
L’Observateur www.observateur-guinee.com L’Observateur is a weekly newspaper that only circulates in Conakry. It is published every Monday and prints nearly 3,000 copies. In early 2011, the newspaper employed 10 staff. L’Observateur, like many weekly newspapers in Guinea, is beset by financial difficulties. It struggles with the high cost of newsprint, electricity shortages and a shortage of advertising. Manager - Mouctar Diallo Mob: +224 64 35 10 05 +224 62 14 15 09
Director - Nouhou Baldé Tel: +224 60 34 26 26 Email: [email protected]
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Le Populaire www.lepopulaire-guinee.info Le Populaire is a weekly newspaper published in Conakry on Mondays. It has a print run of 1,500 to 2,000 copies. The newspaper employs three full-time staff and four part-timers. Founder and Director - Alpha Abdoulaye Diallo Mob : +224 60 40 42 94 +224 65 40 42 94 .
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6. Online news There are several news websites about Guinea. Many of these are based overseas, but all publish news from contributors inside Guinea. These websites are aimed at the large diaspora of Guineans living overseas as well as the limited number of people with internet access in Guinea. There are estimated to be several hundred thousand Guineans living in other West African countries, Europe and North America. The news websites help to fill the gap left by the lack of independent daily newspapers in Guinea. Some of them also offer an internet radio service. In 2007 a dozen or so news websites that focus on Guinea formed an association called L’Association Guinéenne de la Presse En Ligne (AGUIPEL) (The Guinean Association of Online Publishers). The main news websites in Guinea include the following:
Radio Kankan www.radio-kankan.com
Radio Kankan claims to be Guinea’s first online radio station. It is based in Cologne, Germany.
The organization’s official head office in Guinea is situated in the eastern city of Kankan. The website also has an office in Conakry.
Radio Kankan broadcasts in French and has correspondents throughout the country.
The station streams music and interviews with politicians, entertainers and celebrities. It also broadcasts news bulletins.
The station’s website carries news articles about Guinea in French and English.
Contact: Director-General -Aladji Toure Mob: (Germany) +49 174 56 19 207 Tel/Fax: (Germany) +49 221 513 517) Mob: (Guinea) +224 60 339 239 +224 65 995 995 E-Mail: [email protected]
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Address: Gilbach Strasse 27, 50672 Köln-Cologne, Germany
Conakry Sandra Werner/Mory Fria Mob: +224 64 43 62 17 +224 60 12 00 07 +224 65 58 35 58 E-mail: [email protected]
Kankan Tel: +224 30 72 00 82 +224 60 339239 Mobile: +224 65 995 995 E-mail: [email protected]
Barkere Media/Radio Indiana Guinee www.barkere.net This news website and online radio station operates out of Indianopolis, USA. Radio Indiana Guinée broadcasts in French. The Barkere website also streams the online broadcasts of Espace FM. Contacts: Tel (Guinea) +224.60.55.01.23 Tel: (USA) +1.819.328.3135 +1.416.655.6855 Email: [email protected]
Guineenews www.guineenews.org This online news website is based in Canada. Guineenews provides comprehensive, independent news coverage in French. It also includes a directory to other useful websites about Guinea, including those of several bloggers. Contact: Tel: (Canada) +1.819.328.3135 (Guinea) +224.60.55.01.23 Email: [email protected]|
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Aminata.com www.aminata.com This online news website is based in the United States. Aminata.com publishes news about Guinea in French. Contacts:
Founder/director – Amadou M’bone Diallo Tel: (United States) +1 973 477 6624 Email: [email protected]
Conakry bureau chief - Maadjou M'boné Diallo Tel: +224 64 32 81 70
Guineepresse Info www.guineepresse.info This website carries news and comment about Guinea in French.
Email: [email protected]
Guinee 24 www.guinee24.com This website carries news and comment about Guinea in French.
Guinee 24 was suspended from AGUIPEL in June 2010 for publishing stories about the voting trend in the first round of the presidential election before any official results had been issued.
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7. Traditional channels of communication Radio and mobile phone have become the most important channels of communication in Guinea. Even in remote villages, people go often about their daily business with a transistor radio glued to one ear. However word of mouth is still an important source of information wherever people come together in large numbers -, particularly in bus parks and mosques and at political party meetings.
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8. Media resources
Media Development
Search for Common Ground/Talking Drum Studio www.sfcg.org www.talkingdrumstudio.org/guinea/index.html
Search for Common Ground is a US-based media development organization which has been working with the government-run network of local radio stations Radio Rurale de Guinee since 2001. In 2005 Search for Common Ground set up a Talking Drum radio studio in Conakry to produce programmes with social messaging content for broadcast by local radio stations. It also trains journalists. The Conakry studios were modeled on similar Talking Drum initiatives in Liberia and Sierra Leone. Talking Drum promotes responsible radio programme content, aimed at improving democracy, social cohesion and peace building. The output of its Conakry studios includes radio dramas, magazine programmes and public service announcements in French and various local languages. In the run up to the 2010 presidential elections, Search for Common Ground launched a Media Synergy initiative. This aimed to build up a national media coalition to ensure responsible and accurate media coverage of the elections. Together with 16 independent radio stations, Search for Common Ground deployed journalists around Guinea to cover the elections. It used contributions from network members to produce an election programme, Guinee FM 2010, which was aired across all 16 stations. Contact: Country Director – Quentin Kanyatsi Tel: +224 63 35 14 70 +224 60 30 43 09 Email: [email protected] [email protected] Address: Kipe-Ratoma T2 N 2869 Conakry
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Radio France Internationale (RFI) Training Department RFI’s Training Department has undertaken several training and development initiatives with Guinea’s independent radio stations since 2006. These have been aimed at training journalists and radio presenters, developing phone-in programmes and improving the technical quality of broadcast output. RFI training has also focused on the development of radio programming in particular thematic areas, such as election coverage, women’s rights, environmental protection and health. It has worked closely with Search for Common Ground and L’Union des Radiodiffusions et Televisions Libres de Guinee (URTELGUI), the association of private radio stations in Guinea.
By May 2011, RFI trainers sent out on short-term assignments from France had worked with personnel from more than 30 Guinean radio stations.
Most RFI projects in Guinea have been financed by the French government, the European Commission and USAID.
Head of Projects, International Affairs Department – Bernard Chenaud Tél : +33 1 44 30 89 97 / 96 Mob: +33 6 73 48 60 87 Email : [email protected] Address : Service de formation internationale RFI, 116 Avenue du président Kennedy, 75016 Paris, France
Canal France International (CFI) www.cfi.fr Canal France International (CFI) is a French government funded media development organization that works mainly in television.
It supplies programming and technical assistance to the television arm of the state broadcaster RTG.
Tel: (France) +33 2 40 62 32 32 Address: Canal France International (CFI) 131 Avenue de Wagram, 75017 Paris, France
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BBC Media Action/World Service Trust www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/trust BBC Media Action is the international media development arm of the BBC organization. Until December 2011 it was known as BBC World Service Trust. The Trust was planning to start a media capacity building project in Guinea in 2011. It has been established in neighbouring Sierra Leone for several years. Projects Manager Africa - Nesryn Bouziane Tel: (UK) +44 207 557 1428 Mob: (UK) +44 798 191 9413 Email [email protected]
Haute Authorite de la Communication (HAC)/Conseil National de la Communication (CNC)
The Haute Authorite de la Communication (HAC) was created under the 2010 media laws to replace its notoriously repressive predecessor, Le Conseil National de la Communication (CNC).
However, in early 2011, the HAC was not yet operational.
The CNC continued to serve as the de facto media regulator.
Martine Conde, the former director of information of President Alpha Conde’s RPG party and the owner of Soleil FM, was appointed president of the CNC in January 2011.
In theory, the CNC is supposed to defend the rights of the media against state interference and uphold the rights of ordinary people wronged by the media.
However, in practice, the government has consistently used this body as an instrument to punish and intimidate the independent media whenever its criticism of the authorities oversteps officially tolerated limits.
President of CNC - Martine Condé Mob : +224 60 54 90 77 +224 62 10 22 37
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L’Union des Radiodiffusions et Televisions Libres de Guinee (URTELGUI) (Union of Free Radio and Television Stations of Guinea)
URTELGUI was set up in 2009 to defend the interests of private radio stations.
In early 2011 it had 17 members.
President - Boubacar Yacine Diallo (Founder and owner of Horizon FM) Mob : +224 60 25 14 60
Spokesman - Mohamed Fofana (Manager of Atlantic FM) Mob : +224 66 08 19 06 +224 65 45 69 69
Association des Editeurs de la Presse Independente (AGEPI) (Association of Editors of the Independent Press)
AGEPI was founded in 1991 to defend the interests of the independent media shortly after the government allowed the publication of private newspapers.
Over the next 20 years it spoke out on behalf of many journalists who were arrested, jailed and intimidated by the authorities.
In 2011, AGEPI had 65 members, but most of these represented publications that no longer appear regularly.
Only 15 members of the association represented private newspapers that were published weekly, fortnightly or monthly.
Président - Iboun Conté Mob: +224 60 26 94 56 Tel: +224 24 57 50 43
Association des Journalistes de Guinee (AJG) (Association of Guinean Journalists)
This journalists’ trade union was set up in 1991 at a time when nearly all journalists active in Guinea worked for the state media.
In 2011, it was inactive and barely functional.
President – Fode Bouya Fofana Tel: +224 60 29 04 61 Email: [email protected]
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Observatoire Guinéen de la Déontologie de Média (OGUIDEM) (Guinean Observatory of Media Ethics)
OGUIDEN was set up in 2000 with the encouragement of the Conseil National de la Communication (CNC), to help journalists improve the ethical standard of published material.
The formation of this body followed several instances of lapses in media ethics. It was hoped that OGUIDEM would enable journalists to police their own standards more effectively in order to minimise repressive interference by the government.
However, the organization has never lived up to this aim. By early 2011, it had become inactive.
President - Souleymane Diallo Mob: +224 68 25 27 82 +224 60 25 27 82
AFEG, Actualité Féminine En Guinée
AFEG is a Guinean NGO that promotes women’s and family issues in Guinea that was set up in 2005. It owns the Conakry radio station Familia FM – which was closed in early 2011 - and an orphanage in the capital.
Contact: Administrator -Tiguidanke Keita Tel: +244 64 50 61 38 +244 62 89 22 35 Email: [email protected]
Printing presses La Soguipe.
This printing press belongs to Guinea’s largest independent newspaper publishing company, Groupe de Presse Lynx Lance.
It prints Le Lynx and La Lance newspapers and several other titles.
Founder and Director of Groupe de Presse Lynx Lance - Souleymane Diallo Mob: +224 64 25 35 50 +224 60 25 27 82
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Soloprimo, Commune de Ratoma, Conakry.
Akbar-Guinée
This printing press is owned by the government newspaper Horoya. It also undertakes commercial printing work.
Director General Horoya - Alhassane Souaré Mob: +224 62 66 25 62
Headquarters, Boulbinet, Commune de Kaloum, Conakry.
Imprimerie Alpha
This privately owned printing press prints several weekly newspapers.
Owner - Alpha Diallo. Mob: +224 6058 38 47
Manquepas, Commune de Kaloun Conakry.
Imprimerie 104
This private printing press prints several weekly newspapers. It belongs to an army officer.
Contact - Abdoulaye Soumah Mob: +224 67 74 74 74
Manquepas Commune de Kaloum, Conakry
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Imprimerie du Journal le '' Defi ''
This printing press prints Le Defi and some other newspapers.
Contact: Thierno Diallo Mob: +224 66 45 41 03
Almamya, Commune de Kaloum, Conakry.
Audio and video production
Maxi Plus Audio Video
Small audio and video production company belonging to a young film cameraman.
Contact: Alhousène Sano Mob: +224 67 29 20 24 +224 64 29 20 24
Hamdanlaye, Commune de Ratoma, Conakry
Yankady Diffusion
Audio and video production company set up in 2006 by a broadcasting engineer who formerly worked for state broadcaster RTG.
Contact: Mohamed Sylla Mob: +224 60 29 67 46 +224 62 06 13 94
Manquepas, Commune de Kaloum, Conakry
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Marketing and communication
Passerelle Communication
Communications and public relations firm run by journalists.
Contact - Abdourahmane Diallo Mob: +224 64 46 42 59 +224 60 22 24 34
Matoto, Commune de Matoto, Conakry
BBG Communication
Marketing, public relations and advertising agency founded by a cartoonist.
Contact - Oscar Mob: +224 60 54 15 94
Avenue du Port, Commune de Kalou, Conakry
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9. Telecoms Overview The fixed line telephone network in Guinea has decayed and is barely functional, but mobile telephony is booming. According to the GSM Association, which groups the world’s main mobile phone operators, Guinea had 5.7 million mobile phone subscribers in late 2010. This figure indicates that more than half of all Guinean adults own a mobile phone. However, in reality, many handset owners possess SIM cards for more than one network. According to the state telecoms Agence de Regulation des Postes et Telecommunications, in early 2011, the mobile network covered 73% of the population and 13% of national territory. Coverage is focused on the main towns and the surrounding rural area. There were just 22,000 fixed line telephones in the entire country in 2009, according to the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) – roughly one for every 500 inhabitants. Guinea’s fixed line telephone network is operated by the Societe de Telecomunications de Guinee (Sotelgui). The government sold a 60% stake in this former state corporation to Malaysia Telekom in 1995. Sotelgui also operates a mobile phone subsidiary called Lagui. Wherever mobile phone users are literate, especially in the towns, they make extensive use of SMS messages rather than voice calls in order to keep costs down. Voice calls typically cost between 300 and 350 Guinean Francs (GGN) (4.5 to 5.0 US cents) per minute to subscribers on the same network and 400 to 550 FGN (6.0 to 8.5 US cents) per minute to other networks. SMS messages typically cost 100 FGN (1.5 US cents) to subscribers on the same network and 200 FGN (3.0 US cents) to other networks. Internet use has grown much more slowly than in most other West African countries. In Guinea, the internet remains an information tool of the educated and relatively affluent elite. According to the ITU, there were only 95,000 internet users in Guinea in 2009. Less than one percent of the population was online. 65
However, there were plans to connect Guinea to a submarine fibre optic cable running from the West African Coast to France in 2011 (the Africa Coast to Europe or ACE cable). This should make fast broadband services more readily available in Guinea and cut the cost of internet access. In 2011, mobile internet access cost upwards of $70 to $80 per month – far more than most Guineans can afford. Most Guinean internet users go online at an internet café. Although relatively few Guineans use the internet, it is becoming increasingly popular amongst young people. Many families use email and instant messaging to keep in touch with friends and relatives living abroad in Europe and North America. Social networking site such as Facebook are particularly popular. There are five mobile networks in Guinea. The largest is MTN, formerly known as Areeba, which has 38% market share. Cellcom is the second largest operator with 23%. It is followed closely by Orange with 20%. The government has frequently closed down parts of the telecommunications system in times of crisis. Former president Lansana Conte shut down the internet in Guinea during protests against his rule in early 2007. And in November 2010, as the country waited for the official results of the presidential election to be announced, the interim military government blocked all SMS messages for several days. It said text messages were being used to incite violence and spread hate speech.
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Telecoms companies MTN Guinée MTN was Guinea’s leading mobile operator in late 2010 with 1.6 million subscribers. This gave it a market share of 38% according to Wireless Intelligence. MTN provides coverage in all of Guinea’s 33 prefectures. In most cases this extends well beyond the administrative headquarters town. MTN claims to provide some degree of coverage in all but five or six of Guinea’s 333 local administrative districts known as sub-prefectures. A detailed MTN coverage map of Guinea can be found online at: http://www.mobileworldlive.com/maps/network_info.php?nid=16938&org_id=1 6900&cid=143. Besides voice and SMS communication, MTN also offers mobile internet services. The monthly charge for mobile access to the internet via a laptop is 450,000 FGN ($70). In early 2011, this was the cheapest package on offer by local mobile networks. Formerly known as Areeba, MTN began operations in Guinea in 2006.
Client Service Manager - René Yaradouno Mob : +224 64 22 21 71
MTN Guinée Head Office, Commune de Kaloun, Quartier Almamya, Conakry
Cellcom Guinea www.gn.cellcomgsm.com Cellcom Guinea is the second largest mobile operator in Guinea with around 800,000 subscribers and a 23% share of the local market, according to Wireless Intelligence. The company launched its first mobile network in Liberia in 2004. It began operations in Guinea in 2008. A detailed Cellcom coverage map of Guinea can be found online at: http://www.mobileworldlive.com/maps/network_info.php?nid=21901&org_id=2 1900&cid=143. Tel: +224 65 100 100 Fax: +224 65 100 101
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Customer Service: +224 65 111 111 E-Mail: [email protected] Address: Cellcom Guinée SA, Immeuble WAQF-BID, Almamya C/Kaloum, BP: 6567 Conakry
Orange Guinée www.orange.gn Orange Guinée had 684,000 pre-paid subscribers in Guinea in late 2010, giving it a market share of 20%. Its network covers Conakry and the headquarters towns of all 33 prefectures in the interior, plus a number of other locations. The French telecoms group launched its mobile operations in Guinea in 2007. In 2009, it introduced broadband internet services. Commercial Director - Mohammadou Lamine Koné Mob : +224 62 66 22 26
Orange Guinée Head Office, Agence de Kaloum, Near French Embassy, Quartier Port, Conakry
Sotelgui www.sotelgui.net (website under construction) Sotelgui operates Guinea’s landline network and the Lagui mobile telephone network. The former state corporation was partially privatized in 1995, when Malaysia Telekom acquired a 60% controlling stake in the company. Its mobile network covers 90 locations in all 33 prefectures. Commercial Director - Madame Keita Mariam Mob : +224 60 21 94 00
Director of Marketing Madame M’mah Conté Mob : +224 60 23 76 77
Soltegui Head Office, 68
Commune de Kaloum, Quartier Almamya, Conakry.
Intercel (formerly Telecel Guinea) Intercel was launched in 2000 as Telecel Guinee, but it has remained a very small operator. Intercel had 12,000 subscribers in 2009, according to the Australian IT website Budde.com.au. In early 2011, Intercel’s network only covered about 20 towns in the interior. Deputy Director for Customer Services - Edgar Kourouma Mob : +224 63 40 88 99
Marketing and Communication - Kouassi Mob : +224 63 15 15 95
Intercel Head Office, Immeuble Golfe Coléah near the Pont 8 Novembre. Conakry
10. Principal Sources 69
Search for Common Ground Media Mapping Survey 2008 UNESCO UNHCR UNODC UNEP IREX – Media Sustainability Index 2008 International Crisis Group (ICG) Campaign to Protect Journalists (CPJ) Human Rights Watch BBC Afrique (World Service) BBC World Service Trust Canal France International (CFI) IRIN Alert Net Telegeography ITU Amadou Diallo, Guinean journalist and media researcher Media sources Radio Rurale Radio listeners and listening groups Distributeur de Presse Autorité de Régulation des Postes et Télécommunications (ARPT) Radio Television Guinéene (RTG) Orange Guinée MTN- Areeba Itercel Sotelgui